Nuclear: have things moved on since Chernobyl disaster?

But what we haven't heard much about recently are three possible methods of nuclear power generation: fast breeder reactors (FBRs); Thorium reactors; and nuclear fusion/thermonuclear generation.

The UK has had one FBR at Dounreay. It began operation in the 1950s and is now being dismantled. The French have several.

FBR's may be politically incorrect in that they produce plutonium but this is a fuel which can then be used further. Presumably there are disadvantages.

Reactors can use thorium as a fuel, instead of uranium. I understand the products cannot be used for atomic weapons so maybe we should develop the technology, use it ourselves and sell it on to other countries.

Fusion has been the great white hope for nuclear power for a generation and a vast amount of money has been spent on research. But what are the current prospects for getting more power out than is put in and what new facilities are going to be built?

As work on the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station hangs in the balance, the engineer leading the project’s technical operations has told New Civil Engineer he is confident the team can deliver on time and on budget thanks to a risk-free design.

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